Villa Kogelhof doesn't just balance in the literal sense; this energy neutral house was designed by Paul de Ruiter Architects to balance its energy input and output.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Heliotrope in Freiburg, Germany

The solar-powered Heliotrope goes beyond energy neutral as the world's first energy positive home: it actually creates its own renewable energy, without emissions. Designed by German architect Rolf Disch, the structure rotates for the most efficient exposure to the sun.

Though it may look like it has suffered from some kind of natural disaster, this house is actually inhabitable.

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Pod House in Perinton, N.Y.

This structure was created in the early 1970s and stands today as both a town landmark and a private residence. Each of the four pods has a specific purpose, and altogether they form a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house.